Description

Bordetella pertussis is the cause of whooping cough that may occur in unimmunized individuals. B. parapertussis is a related organism that causes a similar but milder disease. Pertussis, a more commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious, respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The illness is characterized by a prolonged paroxysmal cough, which is often accompanied by an inspiratory whoop. Disease presentation varies with age and history of previous exposure or vaccination. Young infants may present to a clinic or hospital with apnea and no other disease symptoms. Adults and adolescents with some immunity may exhibit only mild symptoms or have the typical prolonged paroxysmal cough. In all persons, cough can continue for months.